Around the Big 12: Week #2
It was a perfect 12-0 week against non-BCS competition for the conference. This week the Big 12 needs to back up the talk as five teams will engage BCS competition (UT/Arkansas, OU/Washington, KU@USF, ISU@Iowa, Baylor/Wash St).
Big 12 vs BCS: 2-1
Big 12 vs All: 22-2
1-Oklahoma (2-0) #1, s = 81
At 21-14 it looked like a game at the half, but OU poured it on after the break and beat up on a pretty good Cincinnati team. I'd move the Sooners up a spot if I could. At Washington next week.
(HD rank 1-1)
2-Missouri (2-0) #6, s = 102
The Tiggers played an exhibition against SE Missouri and did what thye had to do. The result was an expected score of 52-3. The KC Star mentioned continued difficulty in pass coverage though. Nevada and Buffalo visit Columbia before MU heads to Lincoln for a "real" test.
(HD rank 2-2)
3-Kansas (2-0) #10, s = 17
Todd Reesing and his merry band of wideouts are on schedule. We'd like to see a running game, but it seems to get better in the fourth quarter when #22 carries the ball. Defense is solid, but we'd like to know more about the injuries. The Jayhawks head to South Florida now for a huge one. A lot to gain for the Jayhawks and the Big 12.
(HD rank 3-3)
4-Texas (2-0) #9, s = 46
UT gets a 42-13 over UTEP (0-2) and Colt McCoy is off to a nice start with a 7 to 1 TD to INT ratio. The Longhorns will get a much better measuring stick when Arkansas visits this Saturday.
(HD rank 4-4)
5-Texas Tech (2-0) #12, s = 105
Nevada racked up 488 yards of total offense, but the Tech defense was stout in the red zone. That could build confidence going forward. Graham Harrell was a little off as he hit just 19 of 46 and had two picks (297 yds). Home dates with SMU and UMASS are next. After a bye, the Red Raiders open Big 12 play at KSU.
(HD rank 5-5)
6-Oklahoma State (2-0) #34, s = 63
The Cowboys put up some big offensive numbers in their 56-37 win over Houston (1-1). The Cougars led 16-14 at the half but OSU had a 28-point outburst in the third quarter and ended up with 699 total yards! Home dates with Missouri St and Troy with a bye week between are up next. OSU hosts A&M for their Big 12 opener.
(HD rank 6-6)
7-Nebraska (2-0) #53, s = 6
The 35-12 win over San Jose St looks good in print, but this game was actually 14-12 in the early part of the fourth quarter before the Huskers got serious. The best news is that the NU defense had a three-and-out in the fourth quarter. That's a pretty big step in the right direction, so I bumped the Huskers up over Colorado. New Mexico St is next, then the Huskers will take two weeks to prepare for Virginia Tech.
(HD rank 8-7)
8-Colorado (2-0) #49, s =91
The Buffs win 31-24 over Eastern Washington, but this one was far from under control. The Buffs were down 21-7 at the half and got the winning score on an INT TD return with 1:44 left. That was after tying the game with just 2:05 left. Most teams like to relax a bit before taking on FSU and West Virginia, but hopefully, the bye will will help.
(HD rank 7-8)
9-Kansas State (2-0) #63, s = 64
Party like it's 1998! The Cats roll Montana St 69-10. Hey, the Buffs would have taken it back in 2006. KU fans don't believe it, but it is possible that Josh Freeman might be good. The Cats travel to Louisville for a Wednesday nighter (9/17).
(HD rank 9-9)
10-Iowa State (1-0) #82, s = 104
Progress is measured pretty easily here. The Clones knock off Kent State 48-28 one year after letting the Golden Flashes push them around in Ames (23-14 in 2007). At Iowa (2-0 vs Maine, FIU) this Saturday.
(HD rank 10-10)
11-Baylor (1-1) #85, s = 3
Northwestern St was just what Art Briles needed. The Bears roll 51-6. Washington State comes to Waco on Saturday. We'll see if anything was learned from the Wake Forest experience.
(HD rank 11-11)
12-Texas A&M (0-1) #89, s = 72
The Aggies get a 28-22 road win against New Mexico. The starting QB goes down and A&M improves -- what does that mean? After a bye week, Miami (FLA) comes to town.
(HD rank 12-12)
# = CBS Sportsline Rank
s = CBS Strength of Schedule
DJ Goodwin
Reader Comments (2)
Given what we've seen thus far though I think you may have those purple ones a little low.
On KSU, you have a good point, but really sixth place and down is kind of up in the air at this point. Also, they've looked good, but I can't get over the last four games of 2007 until I see them against Louisville. Plus, we are talking North Texas and an FCS team. FIU's lone win last year came against the Mean Green.
Interesting that people are now saying KSU could be the Kansas of 2008. We won three of our last four 2006, before we went on that "cupcake" binge. Of course, CMU was supposed to beat us.